Negotiations between NE, Syria and Damascus stalled amid external pressure

On March 10, 2025, the General Command of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Head of Government, Ahmed Al-Sharrah, signed an eight-point agreement in Damascus aimed at establishing the framework for relations between North and East Syria and the Damascus government.

The agreement included:

- Guaranteeing the constitutional rights of the Kurdish people

-Integrating military and civilian institutions within the state framework

-Ceasing hostilities

-Ensuring the return of displaced persons

- Rejecting hate speech and supporting joint counter-terrorism efforts

March 10 Agreement: A Missed Opportunity

Despite the UN describing the agreement as a “historic opportunity” during the Security Council session on June 18, Damascus has yet to implement any of its substantive provisions. Ahmed Al-Sharrah announced a “constitutional declaration” three days after the agreement, ignoring the comprehensive terms. This has deepened the deadlock and raised doubts about the transitional government’s intentions.

Negotiation Deadlock: Lack of Trust and Accumulating Excuses

In the months following the agreement, attempts were made to hold meetings in Paris under French-American sponsorship, the most notable being the postponed July 25 session, which Damascus cited the Suwayda events as a reason for missing. On August 9–10, the transitional government again refused to participate in the scheduled Paris negotiations, citing a “Unity Conference for North and East Syria” in Hasakah, accusing the Autonomous Administration of trying to “internationalize the Syrian issue.”

On August 5, SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi expressed surprise at Damascus’ continued evasion, stating that “integration means partnership and cannot be imposed by force,” highlighting the core disagreement over the future relationship between the parties.

March 10 Agreement Violations

Amid political tension, the SDF reported 22 ceasefire violations on August 9, with groups affiliated with Damascus held directly responsible. Attacks targeted areas including Deir ez-ZOR, Tal Tamr, and Tishrin Dam, and attempts to cross the Euphrates resulted in 11 civilian injuries and damage to populated areas.

 The SDF stated that these violations contradict the spirit of the agreement with Ahmed Al-Sharrah and risk reigniting a war mentality at a time when Syria needs dialogue. They called on Damascus and allied factions to halt violations immediately, reaffirming their readiness to defend the region while extending a hand for negotiations.

Turkish Intervention: Main Obstacle to Dialogue

Developments have clearly shown the significant influence of Turkey in obstructing the negotiation process. On August 8, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made a surprise visit to Damascus, meeting Ahmed Al-Sharrah and senior officials, followed by a joint visit of the Defense and Foreign Ministers of Damascus to Ankara on August 13.

Immediately following prior meetings, the Damascus government announced its refusal to attend the Paris negotiations, a move analysts interpret as the result of direct Turkish pressure aimed at preventing any rapprochement between North and East Syria representatives and Damascus.

Public statements reinforced this interpretation, as Damascus’ Foreign Minister directly accused the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), coinciding with statements by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, reflecting alignment between the two positions regarding North and East Syria.

Despite the deadlock, U.S. and French efforts continued to open channels for dialogue. On July 22, U.S. envoy Tom Barrett met SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi in Amman under reportedly positive conditions, with expectations of a broader Paris meeting under French President Emmanuel Macron.

On August 25, a senior U.S. delegation visited Damascus and met with Ahmed Al-Sharrah, while separately meeting with Mazloum Abdi in Amman to discuss the implementation of the March 10 Agreement and regional stability.

The United States, represented by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, reaffirmed its support for the SDF, noting that integrating them into the Syrian army is a “critical issue” for counterterrorism and national stability.

Uncertain Prospects

With Damascus continuing to evade its commitments and Turkish pressure intensifying, the prospects for a Syrian national dialogue remain unclear, with no scheduled future meetings. While North and East Syria insist that a new Syria must be built on a partnership model, Damascus is adopting a more rigid stance, putting the March 10 Agreement to a difficult test.

In this context, the international role remains decisive: either Paris and Washington succeed in bringing the parties back to the negotiating table, or the Syrian issue risks further fragmentation, threatening the country’s future and regional stability.

a.k

ANHA